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2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Officially Revealed

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Ferrari’s newest special-edition track weapon, the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista, has been officially revealed by the Italian sportscar-maker following this week’s info leak. Following in the tradition of cars like the 458 Speciale and F430 Scuderia, the Pista will be simply the quickest, most track-capable expression of 488-ness, with more power, less weight, and extra downforce than the standard Ferrari 488 GTB.

“Pista” means, simply, “Track,” and the moniker is entirely apt as it’s where the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista will truly thrive. The new model has about 50 horsepower on the GTB, for a grand total of 711, via a twin-turbocharged, 3.9-liter V8 with parts inherited from the race car. Borrowed parts include Inconel (nickel-chromium superalloy) exhaust headers, titanium connecting rods, carbon-fiber intake, and a lightweight crankshaft and flywheel, all of which help this V8 weigh less than the one in the GTB.

All 711 horsepower is handled by the familiar 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, the combination of which is capable of dispatching with 100 kmph (62 mph) in 2.85 seconds, while 200 kmph (124 mph) comes in just 7.6 seconds. The top speed is 211 mph – 6 mph better than the standard GTB.

Overall vehicle weight has been reduced by 198 pounds in the right configuration, for a 2,821-pound total dry weight, thanks in part to carbon-fiber bumpers, a carbon-fiber engine cover, and optional carbon-fiber wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter. Carbon fiber is also the material of choice for the large rear wing, which – together with the upgraded underbody air channels and rear diffuser, plus the racing-derived front S-duct and diffusers – helps the Ferrari 488 Pista generate 20 percent more downforce than the GTB.

Further aiding in handling performance, the Pista has been given an upgraded version of Ferrari’s Side-Slip Angle Control, which consists of its E-Diff3, F-Trac, and magnetorheological suspension, and adds something called the “Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer”. Put simply, this new component uses software to adjust the braking pressure at each caliper individually at the limit in order to make the car more predictable under corner braking.

The tires, designed specially for the all-new Ferrari 488 Pista, are from the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 line.

The 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista will make its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with pricing yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more on the latest Ferrari Special Series sportscar as it breaks.